December 6, 2005

Wellesley Public Schools
School Committee Meeting - Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Wellesley High School Library

The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:35 pm. Ms. Jablonski, Ms. Littlefield, Mr. Murphy, Ms. Newman, and Ms. Sereiko were present. Also present were Dr. King and Ms. Wong. Representing the Student Congress was Ryan Speers.

PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS
None

CONSENT AGENDA
None

RECOGNITIONS
Diane Campbell, who led a stimulating discussion among Administrative Council about the use of student work to review assessment practices.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
The Facilities Advisory Committee invited Dr. King, Ms. Wong, and Ms. Mirkin to its December 1 meeting. The FY07 budget is in its final stage of readiness for printing in anticipation of its presentation at school committee next week.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE’S REPORT
Neighborhood forums about the high school project have ended. Planning is now underway to continue to move this proposed project forward. Ms. Sereiko commended the representatives from the high school student congress, who participated in the presentations about the high school. Student Congress Representative Ryan Speers noted that new guidelines have been developed for use of the time that was formerly designated for mid year exams. The Junior Pass program, which was piloted successfully last year for a portion of the final semester, has been expanded to apply for the entire second semester this year.

CITIZEN SPEAK
There were no citizens present who wished to speak.

ACTION ITEM
2006-07 Academic Year Calendar
Dr. King presented the proposed calendar for 2006-07, which was developed observing school committee policy about start dates, and has been reviewed by school administrators.

Upon motion made by Ms. Sereiko, seconded by Mr. Murphy, it was unanimously
VOTED: To approve the 2006-2007Academic Year Calendar as presented.
The motion CARRIED (5- 0)

DISCUSSION ITEMS
8th to 9th Grade Transition Goal Judy Boroschek and Rena Mirkin reported on the success of the recently instituted practice allowing parents of 8th grade students to choose the level for their child’s enrollment in 9th grade courses at Wellesley High School. The number of students who changed levels this year after the first marking period under this new system is markedly reduced in comparison with past years.

Programs of Study High School Principal Rena Mirkin and Middle School Principal John D’Auria explained rationale supporting proposed changes to the programs of study for 2006-07.

Elementary Schools Master Study Plan Assistant Superintendent Bella Wong introduced the comprehensive master study plan of five elementary schools, prepared over the past several months by the architectural firm Symmes Maini & McKee, which will be formally presented to the public next week.

Five-Year Capital Report Assistant Superintendent Bella Wong presented the long range capital plan, which was developed in consideration of recommendations from the elementary school master study plan by SMMA.

FY06 Budget Quarterly Report Business Manager Ruth Quinn Berdell reported deficits within the first quarter of this fiscal year in accounts covering heating (gas/oil) and special education tuition and transportation.

CITIZEN SPEAK
There were no citizens present who wished to speak.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Upon motion made by Ms. Jablonski, seconded by Mr. Murphy, it was
VOTED: To adjourn into Executive Session for purposes of litigation and contract negotiations, with no intent to return to public session.

Ms. Littlefield, aye; Mr. Murphy, aye; Ms. Newman, aye; Ms. Sereiko, aye; Ms. Jablonski, aye.

The public session was adjourned at 9:10 pm.

Executive Secretary